Mike Jordan for many years worked on various projects for His Highness out in Dubai notably the best known other than his own private places the Burj Al Arab Hotel. We are a master blacksmith family based here in the West Country, but I have spread my wings over the past 30 years now doing […]

Mike Jordan for many years worked on various projects for His Highness out in Dubai notably the best known other than his own private places the Burj Al Arab Hotel. We are a master blacksmith family based here in the West Country, but I have spread my wings over the past 30 years now doing […]

With an interior designed by Donatella Versace in a spirit of stylish excess, each of Palazzo Versace’s 215 rooms, restaurants and lavish spaces bring a triumphant ‘more is more’ vision of Versace to Dubai’s latest luxury hotel by Jola Chudy Although the rather inconvenient matter of a global financial crash delayed its original opening date […]

A new building often elicits a powerful emotional response – pride, fear, revulsion. Why is new architecture so viscerally powerful? Shocking new buildings often threaten to invade our cities. Sometimes, they simply land like alien spaceships, giving us very little warning. Foreign in form, colour and texture, these statement structures seem far removed from the […]

Don’t fear the skyscraper why big cities need big buildings From New York, to London, to Tokyo, tall buildings are a familiar – though not always popular – part of the cityscape. In Paris, there is vocal opposition against proposals for three new towers in the city centre – the Tour Triangle, the Tour Duo […]

Want to cut your overheads and cost of living? Start by thinking about investing in a smaller property. How much would you give up to have a home that didn’t cost you a cent in energy bills? Would you sacrifice that spare bedroom that’s full of junk and hardly gets used? Or the additional […]

2 years agoEditor's choice | Issue 07

INSTAGRAM POSTS

In a place like Dubai few things stay unique for long, but the Palm Jumeirah is one first that can never be repeated. In many ways life on Palm Jumeirah has changed both a little and a lot over the past few years. And if that sounds like a contradiction in terms then it is […]

Children play at being king of the castle — but those who are serious about making it a reality should look to France where good supply means reasonable prices, says Eugene Costello The old saying might have it that an Englishman’s home is his castle, but a Frenchman — or anyone else, for that matter […]

London’s most historic property development, the Star & Garter, offers investors access to a Richmond landmark and piece of historic renovation, writes Stuart Langrish “You can’t buy history.” A taunt often levelled at currently maligned sporting neighbours Chelsea FC across the River Thames. Award-winning residential developer London Square is keen to dispel that myth once […]

Whitehall has traditionally been the location of the heart of government in London, with very little residential inventory — until now. With a former government ministry now converted into super prime apartments, it is possibly the best address currently available in the capital by EUGENE COSTELLO One can scarcely think of a more prestigious […]

Barcelona, New York, London, Toronto, Seoul, Berlin – the merry-go-round of hip world cities keeps turning. But apart from them all is a place that keeps its cool and keeps its identity, yet is as open and cosmopolitan as any place on Earth. By Steve Morrissey That’s Venice, in case you hadn’t guessed, location […]

Lie of the land Is land-sparing or land-sharing the answer to more effective urban eco-systems? by Philip James Back in 1839, public health expert J F Murray published his article The Lungs of London, in Blackwood’s Edinburgh Magazine. Even then, city dwellers appreciated the advantages of open, green spaces. Murray described the benefits of the […]

Weaving the future The Ermenegildo Zegna global headquarters in Milan embody the group’s determination to forge a forward-looking path that is rooted in respect for tradition The contemporary home of Zegna is a soaring, contemporary space. It is a cathedral to the best that modern design has to offer: a vision of sleek glass, […]

Cheval Blanc Courchevel is an exclusive contemporary haven that works in harmony with its natural surroundings. Designed as a a ‘maison’ in the true sense of the word, this ski-in ski-out chalet is the perfect setting for highly-curated Alpine holidays. Set in the heart of the prestigious Jardin Alpin, Cheval Blanc Courchevel’s understated and elegant […]

Could traditional architecture offer relief from soaring temperatures in the Gulf? With projects such as Masdar City embracing architectural techniques from history, it seems that designers from the past have something valuable to teach us by Amin Al-Habaibeh Temperatures in the Arabian Peninsula, Iraq and Iran could soar to uninhabitable levels during the course of […]

When a house is demolished, more than the home is lost… by Andrew W Mellon Urban facelifts erase more than crumbling buildings. In city neighborhoods, opponents of demolition will often cite the loss of historic character. Advocates for development, on the other hand, frequently argue that demolition rids cities of decrepit, obsolete houses, paving the […]

Property investors believe there are peaks and troughs throughout the year in Dubai, with some months better placed for doing business. Not so, argues Carlton Real Estate’s Managing Directors Laura Adams. When it comes to houses, timing isn’t everything. The Dubai property market is not really much more than 10 years into its maturity, so […]

From little more than a patch of sand and a concept, Emirates Hills has still dominates Dubai’s property landscape as one of the most sought-after and prestigious communities in the region by Alexandra Duchemin The day starts gently in Emirates Hills: with little sound other than the trees rustling in the breeze, the song […]

How does Dubai stack up compared to other major cities? Knight Frank’s experts discover the facts… Over the last couple of decades, the growth in financial and business services, trade and logistics and tourism activity has played an important role in fuelling Dubai’s emergence as a global hub. In its newest report, Knight Frank identifies […]

It’s no secret that, following 2008, Spanish property value fell off the cliff into the — admittedly warm and welcoming — waters of the Med. But, says Eugene Costello, to see a fuller picture take a look at high-end properties in Mallorca Spanish property market recovery is being led by the Balearic Islands, with foreign […]

An Englishman’s home is his castle, or so the saying goes, but that doesn’t mean that Britain’s stock of castles and stately homes is exclusive to its countrymen (or women) by EUGENE COSTELLO Interest in these properties remains high from all manner of buyers, both domestic and international as they make for such statement […]

This sumptuous and grand villa exudes extreme attention to detail, cutting-edge technology, exclusive bespoke designs, and the ultimate in luxury. Giorgio Armani famously said, “To create something exceptional, your mindset must be relentlessly focused on the smallest detail.” This Palm Jumeirah home is a true example of this. The current owner has been successful in […]

While the selection and purchase of antiques can appear intimidating, it doesn’t have to be. Just as in love, the golden rule of modern decorating stands that opposites attract. Put two opposing forces in a room together and you’ll master the art of mixing modern and antique. After all, variety is the spice of life […]

Drawing inspiration from the crossroads of nature and machine, Jaipur Rugs collection explores what happens when the precision of machines is sidelined by happy accidents. Recently launched at Domotex 2015 in Germany, ‘Project Error’ studies the concept of misprints – nature’s interruption of mechanical duplication to create unique pieces of overlooked art. The project is […]

Downtown Design is the only platform in the Middle East for the region’s trade professionals to discover original, high quality design from all over the world. In its third edition, the Fair will take place at the Dubai Design District and present a carefully edited roster of established and emerging brands across a range of […]

This neglected corner of London is about to get a serious upgrade by Steve Morrissey Last month, news that Sting and his partner Trudie Styler had bought an apartment in Battersea Power Station was the equivalent of the needle being yanked off the record to a deafening scratch, a “wha?” moment that signified that […]

Property Investor and Homebuyer Show A luxury development in the heart of the City of London is the first residential project to have launched in the area in over 30 years. When scouting for luxury property locations in London, the City is not the first district that springs to mind. Affluent buyers tend to consider well-trodden […]

Back in 1839, public health expert J F Murray published his article The Lungs of London, in Blackwood’s Edinburgh Magazine. Even then, city dwellers appreciated the advantages of open, green spaces. Murray described the benefits of the parks of London as “great vehicles of exercise, fresh air, health, and life to the myriads that congregate in […]

Who designed the resort? Interior designer, Sybille de Margerie. What was the concept behind it? What was the design brief? To create an intimate and inviting haven where impeccable, personalised service creates an easy-going and friendly atmosphere. To combine traditional hospitality with a contemporary spirit, Cheval Blanc Courchevel wanted to reinterpret a stay at altitude […]

Spanish property market recovery is being led by the Balearic Islands, with foreign buyers providing the catalyst both in Mallorca and Ibiza. The Spanish Infrastructure Authority announced that more than 40 per cent of property purchases on the Islands in the second quarter of 2015 were made by overseas buyers. Figures from the Ministry of […]

Beautifully finished homes make use of natural stone and luxurious materials, while a welcoming feeling infuses the atmosphere. With 3 and 4 bedroom townhouses in the heart of upcoming MBR City (Meydan), the gated residential community of 326 townhouses is the project of G & Co. With SPF Realty as their exclusive sales and marketing […]

For real estate investors looking to buy a slice of the Dubai dream, there is still much on offer. Arabian Ranches is one of the Emirate’s most glittering real estate gems – a thriving and established residential area whose desirable address has become synonymous with quality and durability. Sought after by both investors and end […]

Last month, news that Sting and his partner Trudie Styler had bought an apartment in Battersea Power Station was the equivalent of the needle being yanked off the record to a deafening scratch, a “wha?” moment that signified that something, possibly everything, had changed. Why? Because Battersea is “South of the River,” and as every Londoner will tell you, there’s much more than geography going on here. If […]

Manhattan, famous for its skyscrapers, has just added three more to its increasingly crowded skyline. On 10 October last year 423 Park Avenue topped out at a lofty 89 floors. Last year also saw the 75-floor One57 tower reach maximum height, while One World Trade Centre finally opened in place of what was the Twin […]

Once had a client (he’s a close friend now and will laugh when he reads this) turn up to view a USD$10 million property dressed in a T-shirt and shorts, with both arms covered in tattoos. The owner refused to let him in. He’s actually a very wealthy man, and was fully capable of buying […]

Oppenheim has designed homes for the world’s most successful individuals, bringing into being structures that not only celebrate the lifestyles and achievements of exceptional people, but bring a genuine enhancement to the surroundings in which the building exists. For his Bahamas home, the architect’s signature minimalist style reflects both his aesthetic language and his respect […]

Rather like traditional canalboats that are today synonymous with the idea of making a home on water, the Floating Seahorse is a home on water that will seek to redefine the parameters of modern urban dwellings. Each villa will boast three storeys, one underwater, one at sea level and an upper deck. The Floating Seahorse […]

In addition to winning the 2012 Green Good Design Award (presented by the European Centre for Architecture Art Design and Urban Studies, and The Chicago Anthenaeum: Museum of Architecture and Design), Park Hyatt Maldives Hadahaa won this year’s Leading Designer Resort award from the Maldives Travel Awards. Who designed the resort? Park Hyatt Maldives […]

The UK’s premier property expo is a ‘must attend’ event for anyone serious about making money from property investment. It is the ideal place for networking, obtaining reliable and up to date property market information and, of course, investment property to buy. It is designed to cater for all levels of property experience – everyone from […]

For decades glass has been everywhere, even in so- called ‘modern’ or ‘sustainable’ architecture such as London’s Gherkin. However, in energy terms, glass is extremely inefficient – it does little but leak heat on cold winter nights and turn buildings into greenhouses on summer days. For example, the U-value (a measure of how much heat […]

when it launched in 2007, it was the largest single-phase residential development in the world and globally-hailed as the epitome of the city’s growth. But this being dubai, nothing is ever really finished, instead merely exists in a permanent phase of development. The six connected projects — Murjan, Sadaf, Bahar, Rimal, Amwaj and Shams — comprise residential […]

One of the region’s leading property shows has confirmed its dates for later this year. The International Property Show 2015 will take place at the Dubai International and Exhibition Centre between March 30 and April 1 and will be the biggest edition of the show to date. For the first time, direct selling of properties […]

Fancy a taste of the high life? If you’re in the market for something truly spectacular, you could do a lot worse than the stunning penthouse at the ‘twisted tower’ in Dubai Marina. Formerly known as the Infinity Tower, the 73-storey residential tower that spirals in a smooth curve by 90 degrees, is located in […]

Aldar Properties in Abu Dhabi has a lot to be smiling about this – their 474-unit, 92-floor Burj Mohammed Bin Rashid notched up an impressive 50% rental of residential units in the first week of its launch. It’ s a reflection of both the quality and desirability of the project – set in the heart […]

It’s the only project in Dubai that lets buyers fully customise everything from the floor plans and interior finishes right down to the colour of the wall paint, and now Sanctuary Falls adds another level of exclusivity to its already impressive offering. With the recently opened clubhouse, residents can take advantage of two championship level […]

At the end of 2014, royalty and icons from the world of sport lent their star power to the opening of the clubhouse, a jewel in the Dubai development that has become a success story amongst regional real estate projects. HE Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Henrik Stenson and Rory McIlroy were among the […]

While most of us would readily agree that Dubai’s stratospheric transformation from a minor sea port into a metropolis evolving at warp speed is one of the most notable achievements of modern times, as an agent I see another side to the story of headline-grabbing skyscrapers and audacious, coastline-defining developments. Despite the city’s profile on […]

A solid, gleaming cube of highly reflective glass that seems to float on a sea of light, the Opus is the work of master architect Zaha Hadid. Her vision for Dubai is a building that is at once impenetrable and fluid, a gargantuan cube that seems to have been pierced through its centre by some […]

What do you build in the city that seems to have everything? Why, an emblematic opera house set to be the region’s answer to La Scala or Sydney, of course. And while the heart of Downtown had seemed complete, it seems no ‘centre of now’ is finished without its very own cultural district. Located in […]

Location and neighborhood Location is key, as you can’t change this afterwards. Consider the proximity of public transport, such as the Dubai Metro or taxi ranks. If you have children, research the closest nurseries and schools. Long-term factors should be taken into consideration. Ideally, a well-planned villa community should have its own retail centre with […]

Villas remain a perennially popular choice for investors, and more villa communities are launching in Dubai and Abu Dhabi as both population and tourism grows. Responding to this demand, Damac Properties recently released more villas in its Akoya Oxygen master development, reflecting an increased interest in villa projects in the UAE. Akoya Oxygen positions itself […]

Off-plan property prices in the UAE capital are on the rise, according to a new report, while price increases for completed properties are stabilising. The quarterly report, by MPM Properties (a subsidiary of Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank) shows that demand for properties direct from the developer is high – with many units being sold direct […]

Iraqis are one of the top investors in UAE property, according to a recent report, that reveals that familiarity with a region is the driving force that decides where most people will invest their funds. Most property investors tend to invest close-to-home, with the majority of people buying in the cities in which they currently […]

Although it covers just two square kilometres, Downtown is a neighbourhood of immense variety, ranging from the tallest tower in the world, the Burj Khalifa, to quaint low-rise developments and greenery in Old Town and Old Town Island. Yet, apart from the ultra-luxurious apartments in Burj Khalifa, the prices to buy are relatively reasonable, according to […]

The larger the transaction, the more paperwork seems to accompany it, and purchasing real estate is certainly no exception. Hoping to improve that complex process, a series of improvements aimed at improving the property registering process has been announced by the Dubai Land Department, meaning that investors should find it easier than ever to navigate […]

Savvy investors with an eye on reliable returns could do well to look at snapping up mid-level properties, while property developers who focus on supplying more affordable housing will tap into a significant demand for this kind of real estate. That’s the conclusion of a report by Colliers International, a leader in international commercial real estate […]

Drise is one of the first crowdfunding real estate companies in the world, the brainchild of Waleed Esbaitah, who established the company in order to provide investors in the region with an alternative to traditional property investment models. With a young demographic, the Middle East is full of technologically savvy investors for whom entry price […]

The romance and decadence of the Jazz Era has provided an unlikely vein of rich inspiration for one of Dubai’s most audacious new projects. At ANWA by Omniyat, the spirit of glamorous living informs every corner of sun-drenched rooms that overlook the oceans at Dubai Maritime City. With a real lighthouse at its pinnacle, the […]

No matter the situation in the global economy, no matter whether property prices are rising or falling, there will always be people wanting to buy either a home or an investment property. The latest report by Christie’s Real Estate examined the effects of fluctuations in the global economy and the international movement of wealth on […]

Four out of the top five most expensive houses in Dubai are not located in Palm Jumeirah, but Emirates Hills. Emirates Hills, a project of Emaar properties, is one of theseveral adjoining developments that make up Emirates Living in Dubai. Emirates Hills is located with other five prime property projects in Emirates Living. These comprise […]

1 Look for the FIDI seal of approval. The Fédération Internationale des Déménageurs Internationaux is a global organisation of approved movers meeting high standards. “Members have to apply every year to be part of it,” Shawn says. “They do customer service audits and check credit ratings to make sure there won’t be any delays because (the […]

For prospective buyers looking to spend AED 3-5 million on a property in Dubai there are a wealth of options available to them, from sprawling, family-friendly villas to sleek apartments in the city’s hottest locales. Hallie Engel looks at what you can get for AED 3-5million. For prospective buyers looking to spend AED 3-5 million […]

It features a collection of 97 luxury villas overlooking the Greg Norman designed Earth golf course, home of the DP World Tour Championship. Sanctuary Falls has won numerous awards for pioneering the ‘resort home’ concept that combines designer luxury with a resort lifestyle. Each villa has been meticulously crafted by world renowned resort architects and […]